The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) has launched applications for the African Union Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) Ambassadors Initiative 2026, a continental programme that empowers young Africans to champion sexual and reproductive health, youth leadership, and sustainable development across the continent.
Applications are open to young Africans, including those in the diaspora, aged 18 to 35 years, with submissions closing on July 17, 2026.
The initiative comes at a time when Africa is home to more than 400 million young people aged 15–35, a demographic projected to account for nearly 40% of the global youth population by 2050. AUDA-NEPAD says the programme seeks to place young people at the centre of Africa’s transformation agenda by strengthening their role in advocacy, policymaking, and community engagement around sexual and reproductive health issues.
Interested candidates must submit their applications through the official AUDA-NEPAD application platform before July 17, 2026.
Aligned with the AUDA-NEPAD Energise Africa Framework and the African Union’s long-term development blueprint, Agenda 2063, the initiative supports efforts to harness Africa’s demographic dividend through improved health outcomes, informed leadership, and youth participation.
What Selected Ambassadors Will Do
Successful applicants will serve as continental advocates for youth health and wellbeing, helping to bridge grassroots realities with national, regional, and continental policy priorities.
Their responsibilities will include:
- Promoting youth engagement in sexual and reproductive health advocacy.
- Leading awareness campaigns and community mobilization efforts.
- Amplifying AUDA-NEPAD programmes, including Energize Africa and A2DSRH initiatives.
- Raising awareness about key African Union instruments such as the African Youth Charter, the Maputo Protocol, and the Demographic Dividend Roadmap.
- Supporting digital advocacy, content creation, and policy engagement activities.
Interested candidates must submit their applications through the official AUDA-NEPAD application platform before July 17, 2026.
Eligibility Criteria
AUDA-NEPAD is seeking young leaders who demonstrate:
- A strong commitment to sexual and reproductive health, youth empowerment, and social impact.
- Experience in advocacy, community engagement, or youth-focused initiatives.
- Active participation in digital campaigns, content creation, or social media engagement.
- The ability to mobilize peers and communities around development issues.
- An understanding of continental frameworks and development priorities.
Knowledge of Agenda 2063, the African Youth Charter, and the Maputo Protocol will be considered an added advantage. The programme also seeks to ensure representation across regions, genders, languages, and marginalized communities.
Benefits for Participants
Although the ambassadorial role is voluntary and does not provide a salary, selected participants will receive:
- Continental recognition as AUDA-NEPAD Youth SRH Ambassadors.
- Leadership development, mentorship, and specialized training.
- Access to regional, continental, and global SRH dialogues.
- Networking opportunities with policymakers, development practitioners, and youth leaders.
- Increased visibility through high-level platforms and AUDA-NEPAD engagements.
- Potential sponsorship to participate in selected events and official activities.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit their applications through the official AUDA-NEPAD application platform before July 17, 2026.
